AC/DC Manager’s Murder Case Reopened by Australian Police After 20 Years

On Dec. 25, 1993, AC/DC suffered a tremendous loss after former band manager Crispin Dye was brutally beaten on Dec. 23, 1993 following a night of celebratory drinking in Sydney, Australia. Dye passed away from his injuries on Christmas Day, and despite witness testimony, Dye's assailants were never caught and the case went cold. However, over 20 years after Dye's passing, the case has been reopened.

Crispin Dye was much more than AC/DC's manager for seven years in the '80s; he was a talented musician in his own right. To celebrate the release of his debut album, Dye hit the pubs, but was attacked, robbed and ultimately killed in an inner-city street. One witness at the time reported seeing three young males, possibly of Pacific Island heritage, standing over Dye's unconscious body.

Police are once again opening the case, offering a $100,000 reward for any information that leads to the capture of Dye's murderer or murderers. “There are people out there who know those responsible for Mr. Dye’s death and we’re hoping this reward may prompt them to get in touch with police,” Detective Superintendent Mick Willing explained in a statement. “By all accounts, Crispin Dye was a fun-loving, friendly and decent man, who was robbed of his life far too soon. We are absolutely committed to getting to the bottom of this case and bringing those responsible for an innocent man’s violent death to justice, but we won’t be able to do it without assistance from the public.”

Dye's death revolved around a grizzly series of murders targeting victims who were thought to be gay. However, Willing believes Dye's murder was motivated by robbery.

“He was very, very popular,” recalled Dye’s mother during a recent radio interview. “I don’t think he had any enemies, I really don’t.”

Police are asking that anyone with potential information on the murder to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-333-000 or visit the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.